The IC-DLI expedition team led by Xiang Xiao participated in the China-New Zealand Joint Expedition to the Kermadec Trench by R/V “Tan Suo Yi Hao” from October to December, 2022, and carried out scientific expedition of the hadal trench in the Southern Pacific Ocean successfully.

Xiang Xiao is the dean of International Center for Deep Life Investigation and distinguished professor of School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology. Professor Xiang Xiao participated in the first voyage of expedition and was the co-chief scientist. Other team members were Professor Huahua Jian from School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Professor Yu Zhang and Doctor Liang Dong from School of Oceanography. Professor Huahua Jian participated in the second voyage. IC-DLI members dived four times via HOV Fendouzhe and reached a depth of over 10,000 meters once. Abundant hadal sediments, bottom seawater, RNA in-situ fixation and rock samples were collected, which will contribute to the sample collections of the IC-DLI from Kermadec Trench and will be used to address crucial scientific issues such as the evolution and adaptation mechanism of hadal life, the evolution of abyssal environments, and plate subduction and material exchange flux.